In May, Billy Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that causes fluid to accumulate in the brain’s ventricles. The singer was forced to cancel tour dates due to the condition, sharing a statement that read: "This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance. Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."
During a visit to Good Morning America on July 16, Susan Lacy — director of the upcoming HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes — gave an update on the legendary singer-songwriter's health. "He's doing physical therapy, he's healing, he's working on getting better," she said.
The update comes after Joel's friend Howard Stern revealed that the Piano Man gave him permission to tell fans he's "not dying."
According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain. It tends to affect people 65 and older and is "often treatable and sometimes even reversible."
The 76-year-old musician's original statement continued to say that Joel is "thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage."